Yesterday we ran an article looking at the mathematical realities of a late push into the play-offs by Steve Bruce and his side.

The numbers say it IS possible, however they did point to the team needing an extremely fortunate run of events.

The reality of course is that it is almost certain that the club will still be in the Championship next season.

The fans have a clear message for anyone saying otherwise...

Mark Claridge: "This season no chance. You can't have two bad spells like we have had this time and expect to progress. In all fairness it will do the club good to have another season to improve and create more belief.

"If we had turned it around a little earlier and scraped into the play-offs AND won promotion I think it would be harder for us to re-adjust again to the prem.

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Ian Murdoch: "The main thing is we're playing better football as a team compared to the last few seasons , and wining games again is a big + , let's get this season out the way and go for it next season>"

EdwnGumbley: "It's called mathematics, all the teams above them have to drop a lot of points and Aston Villa have to win every match played - no playoffs this season, however, it gets goons like me making a contribution."

WatchaDave: "There's no carrot to be dangled here, the rest of this season is purely to take the momentum into next season and with a few quality additions, goalie / centre half, we should be thereabouts next year. "

Andy Milford: "I think our fans are more 'mature' en-mass now and respect what it takes to build a football team. We're getting stronger everyday as Villa repairs it's club, its team and it's fan base's confidence. Good times ahead!"

David Davies: "It's not going to happen, thank goodness. If we fluked it this season we would turn into a yo-yo club like Sunderland, and until recently, the Baggies. We are in a great position now, with no pressure, to start working towards the end of next season. Steve Bruce should relax, and start looking at where we should strengthen to hit the ground running in August.

"We are in a great position now to prepare to storm it next season, and then go up as a force to be reckoned with. We also have the luxury of an owner who is happy to approach it that way. We have a great chance to turn last season's embarrassing surrender into a proper rebuilding process. Scraping up this season (which ain't gonna happen anyway) would ruin that opportunity."

Mike Lambert: "Wishful thinking. We have hit form at a good time but i think this is just the season to get going and then be up and running to storm the championship next year. But, never say never. Up the Villa!"